Home sweet home for Paige’s 50th game

By ZAC MILBANK

Paige Allan says she’s ”definitely found my home” as she approaches her long-awaited 50th Hostplus SANFLW League game on Friday night.

One of the few players remaining from the competitions debut season in 2017, the West Adelaide speedster has displayed tremendous resilience in reaching her memorable milestone.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, the 25-year-old paid tribute to the Bloods players and coaching staff in helping her overcome a devastating knee reconstruction last year.

Allan was approaching the dying stages of her 49th outing in Round 3 last season when her misfortune occurred, prompting an agonising wait to join SANFLWs 50-club.

One of just 12 players to represent three SANFLW League clubs, Allan began her football journey playing alongside the boys in the Riverton Saddleworth Marrabel United U14s.

Salisbury has since become Allan’s local club, providing her with the platform to play at elite level with North Adelaide in the competition’s first season.

After four seasons with the Roosters, Allan moved north to Central District, where she spent 2021 and 2022 before landing at Milner Road for 2023.

And now the Ticketek Events Manager couldn’t be happier as she prepares to play in front of a large cheer squad of family and friends at Thebarton Oval against South Adelaide.